How would you recommend I write a bar to re-enlistment counseling for someone who declined a promotion board?

So you have a soldier that believes he/she is unworthy of promotion for whatever reason. I, personally, find that to be responsible. What is that soldiers reasoning? Are they about to ETS and looking to go to college then come back as an officer? Then perhaps they feel that promotion should go to someone that plans on staying enlisted. Perhaps that Sp4 does not believe they have leadership qualities but can still proudly serve in their current capacity.

Also, since when are promotions mandatory? I have known 10 year E-4s. Most were in MOS’s with extremely slow promotions, but that doesn’t change the fact of their time in service. I have more respect for someone that turns down a promotion because they feel unqualified than someone that thinks they deserve one based solely on TIS/TIG. In fact, your question exemplifies the old adage that in the military you are promoted to your level of incompetence.

The only person who can bar a soldier from re-enlistment is the commander. However, you should do the DA 4856stating why the soldier should attend the board. I recall reading a few weeks ago, that the Army was changing the promotion system for E4-E5. If the soldier was not prepared or is not willing to attend, I would personally have a conversation with the PSG and 1SG for them to recommend the BAR.

Correct me if I am wrong, but a Solider can refuse a promotion board if they complete a declination statement, Correct?